I like when breweries take chances and concoct new libations and that is exactly what Council Brewing Co. has been doing since I’ve been there last. I was hop-stopping in San Diego last Saturday and happened to be in the neighborhood so I thought, “What the hell?” My first time there was great so my anticipation was palpable.

So down Clairemont Mesa Blvd. we drove to the industrial park off Convoy St. where Council’s unassuming tasting room/brewery is located. There was a small crowd so we easily got a table big enough to stretch out a long Timeline.

I was pleased to see the changed-up menu offerings. Even the selections from the Magic Factory had changed. I remembered the Lickable Staves Sour that I had wanted to try but I didn’t see it up on the board so I might’ve missed my chance. I saw on their website that Lickable Staves won Best In Show at the SD International Beer Competition! Congratulations to them but now my regret is even greater that I never tasted it. As the Old Man would say, “Bird in the hand and all…”

The first beer I tried was a hazy IPA called Hazeas Corpus. It was a 6.7% and so citrusy with tropical juiciness. Delicious. Sean went with a new draft release called Miss Olivia that was a respectable 6.8%. Carie got a Blonde called Lively Banter that was 5.5% ABV. Ck stuck with the fruity theme of the night and got a 4.5% Guava Beatitude Tart Saison. The Old Man and I also split a Bully Pulpit which we had both tried the first time we visited and wanted to experience again.

@Council has a well-rounded and extensive menu. They have 2 NE-style IPA’s and 6 flavored Beatitude Saisons. Just up on the main menu are 14 different beers plus 2 new releases on tap. Then there’s the Magic Factory selections: 8 beers ranging in strength from 5.8% to 6.8% that are brewed at a different location.

Council has bottles to go and merchandise for sale. Of course, the Old Man found the clearance bin.

Of course, I had to buy one of those clearance shirts since I love CBC so much. You can also get growlers and crowlers filled. Flights are $10 for 5 tasters which is a great option if you are trying to sample a selection from the menu rather than focusing on one or two pints.

The best part about ending the night at Council Brewing? Our television star Pennywise!

I went to the ladies room and this is what I saw: It’s a sign from you-know-who.